A year at IMG Academy has helped Celine Koh become more aggressive, independent and better prepared for the demands of elite football. As she returns to Singapore duty for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, Koh is ready to bring those lessons into a squad where she now sees herself as one of the more senior players.
Stepping into the Spotlight
The qualifiers will see Singapore take on Indonesia, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in Group B as the team looks to earn a place at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027.
For Koh, her year away has been about much more than improving her football. Living and studying in a high-intensity environment has also taught her how to manage the aspects of performance that take place away from the pitch.
“The experience has been really good and helped me improve as a player,” she said. “Not only in football, I’ve learnt a lot on how to be more independent and to prioritise things outside the field, such as nutrition and your recovery.”
Photo: SportPlus.sg / Chan Wei En
Those off-field habits have supported her development. Besides that, Koh was exposed to players with different styles and physical profiles, forcing her to adapt quickly and compete with greater intensity.
“Football-wise, I’ve learnt to be a lot more aggressive,” she said. “I’ve also had to adapt to playing with different players, because the players there play very differently from how they do here (Singapore).”
The Tactical Blueprint: Setting High Standards
Regularly facing bigger and faster opponents helped strengthen her ability to handle the physical side of the game.
“I’ve learnt how to deal with players who are a lot bigger and faster than me,” Koh added.
Now, the 16-year-old is back with the Singapore U17 Women’s National Team, and she views the call-up as both an honour and an opportunity to make an impact.
“It’s an honour to be back with the national team,” Koh said. “My goal going into the tournament is to really put on a strong performance.”
Photo: SportPlus.sg / Chan Wei En
Koh’s place in the team has evolved since her last spell in the setup. She returns to a squad that has a newer feel, but with more responsibility on her shoulders as one of the group’s more experienced players.
“Returning to the team has been different because it’s a lot newer of a team compared to last year’s team,” she said. “I’m back as a more senior player compared to last year, so there’s a lot more expectations going into it.”
Her personal objective is clear: to help lead the squad and remain a positive presence when matches become difficult.
Rising Above the Noise: Voices from the Pitch
“My personal goals are to lead the team, and to always have a positive attitude even when the game gets tough,” Koh said.
Indonesia is the opponent she is most looking forward to facing. Koh sees the fixture against one of Group B’s stronger sides as a chance for Singapore to assess itself and learn.
“They’re a very, very strong team, and I think it’s good to see what we can do against them, and learn from them as well,” she said.
Photo: SportPlus.sg / Chan Wei En
Koh also takes inspiration from Barcelona midfielder Pedri, whose intelligence, composure and ability on the ball appeal to her.
“He’s not the fastest or the strongest player, but he’s very good with the ball and very smart when he plays,” she said. “I think I can learn a lot from how he plays.”
Her closest role model, however, is her sister Chloe Koh. The 19-year-old midfielder is currently playing NCAA Division I football for St. Bonaventure University after coming through IMG Academy herself. Chloe has supported Celine from the beginning of her football journey and offers a pathway the younger Koh hopes to follow.
“I think I have to say my sister,” Celine said. “She’s been always helping me ever since I started playing, and she’s always been a role model as someone I look up to.”
Eyes on the Prize: What Lies Ahead
With an important qualifying campaign ahead, Celine Koh returns to Singapore duty carrying the benefit of a formative year away: greater physical resilience, stronger professional habits and the confidence to take on more responsibility. Her focus now is to help Singapore deliver performances worthy of a place on the Asian stage.